The Taliban government in Afghanistan has officially banned mixed martial arts (MMA), citing concerns over the sport’s alignment with their interpretation of Islamic law. The decision, announced on Wednesday by Afghanistan’s sports authority, follows an investigation conducted by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, also known as the country’s morality police.
In a statement released to AFP, the sports authority explained that the ban was enacted after careful consideration of MMA’s compatibility with sharia law. The authorities determined that the sport contained elements that were “problematic with respect to sharia” and found many aspects of MMA to be “contradictory to the teachings of Islam.”
An official from the sports authority elaborated on the decision, stating that MMA was deemed too violent and posed significant risks of injury or death, which contributed to the decision to ban the sport in Afghanistan. “That’s why this decision has been made to ban mixed martial arts in Afghanistan,” the official said.
MMA, known for its brutal and physically demanding nature, has been a popular sport in Afghanistan, particularly among the youth. The sport’s intense combat style, which combines techniques from various martial arts disciplines, has garnered a substantial following in the country. Despite its popularity, the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law has led to increased scrutiny of activities they consider incompatible with their religious principles.
Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban have reimposed their conservative interpretation of Islamic law across Afghanistan. This has included enforcing strict codes of conduct, including regulations on dress and behavior for both men and women. Recently, the Taliban ratified a morality law that formalized these rules, including prohibiting men from wearing shorts that expose the knee.
The ban on MMA is part of a broader crackdown on activities deemed un-Islamic by the Taliban. The morality police have been particularly active in enforcing these measures, which include restricting women’s rights, imposing dress codes, and banning certain forms of entertainment. This latest move underscores the regime’s commitment to maintaining its strict vision of Islamic governance.
The decision has sparked concern among athletes and fans of the sport in Afghanistan, many of whom see MMA as not only a form of entertainment but also a means of physical empowerment and discipline. The ban may also have broader implications for Afghanistan’s participation in international sports, particularly as martial arts have been a significant part of the country’s athletic culture.
Martial arts, in general, are a popular form of sport in Afghanistan, with several athletes representing the country in international competitions. Notably, four of the 11 Afghans who competed at the Paris Games, whether on the national team or as part of the Refugee Olympic team, were martial arts athletes. This ban could potentially stifle the growth and development of future athletes in the country.
MMA has not been recognized as an Olympic sport, primarily due to safety concerns. However, its growing popularity worldwide has led to debates about its inclusion in future Olympic Games. In Afghanistan, the sport had been gaining traction, with local fighters and gyms emerging despite the challenging circumstances under the Taliban’s rule.
The ban on MMA reflects the Taliban’s broader approach to governance, where activities and practices that do not align with their religious interpretations are subject to prohibition. This approach has led to the suppression of various forms of cultural expression and entertainment in the country.
As Afghanistan continues to grapple with the Taliban’s stringent rule, the future of sports and other forms of public life remains uncertain. For now, the ban on MMA is a clear indication of the direction the Taliban intends to take in shaping the cultural and social landscape of the country, prioritizing their version of Islamic law over popular pastimes and global sports trends.
